Likewise sales surge 36.7 per cent in October

Likewise Group plc has reported sales up by 36.7 per cent in October against the same period last year. 

Overall, sales are up by 22.8 per cent in the year to date.

The news follows the £14.9 million acquisition of assets from Headlam Group, including the 90,000 sq. ft. freehold Thatcham Distribution Centre, with its operating assets and inventory on premises. 

The deal also included the trade and assets of Crucial Trading, the trade and assets of Concept Flooring in West Bromwich and Stoke-on-Trent and Principal intellectual property.

Likewise also announced that 110 employees at Thatcham, Crucial Trading and Concept Floors were expected to transfer to the group. 

Likewise chief executive Tony Brewer said the positive trend was across all businesses, including Likewise Floors, Delta, A&A, H&V, Lewis Abbott, Likewise Rugs & Matting and Valley Wholesale Carpets.  

He said: “The increased sales revenue combined with operational gearing and subsequent improved profitability provides the board with confidence that Likewise Group will be materially ahead of current market forecasts for the 2026 full year with profit before tax expected to be a minimum of £6 million.”

He added that the executive team is currently dealing with all aspects of the acquisition and integration of various assets from the administrators of Headlam Group.  

Incoming deliveries commenced on October 22 into the 90,000 square foot high bay Thatcham Distribution Hub to establish stock levels.  

Mr Brewer said that during November, Thatcham would become a very important part of the Likewise Floors logistics network, particularly across the south of England and additionally would enhance service levels in Newport, Birmingham, Sudbury, Plymouth and Sidcup.  

“Concept Flooring Supplies in West Bromwich and Stoke-on-Trent have re-established stock levels and now pretty much resumed ‘service as normal’ on behalf of their loyal supplier and customer base.  

“The premium carpet brand, Crucial Trading, has placed replenishment stock orders with key suppliers to supplement existing stock, and the bespoke rug manufacturing operation in Kidderminster is immediately processing incoming orders.”

It is expected that both Concept Flooring Supplies and Crucial Trading will be earnings enhancing in the full year 2027, reinforcing Likewise’s position as the leading UK flooring distributor and supporting further growth in market share and profitability. 

The Stock Agency Agreement with Headlam’s administrators is being managed particularly carefully to sell through the administration stock and avoid any disruption to the UK flooring industry. 

Numerous exclusive products from the various Headlam Brands are currently being restocked in both Likewise Floors and Valley Wholesale Carpets to enable continuity across the residential and commercial customer base. 

To facilitate the transport and logistics, the Likewise will increase the number of delivery trucks by 16 to 192 this year, with further increases envisaged in the first two quarters of 2027.  

Tony Brewer said: “While the full year 2027 is very difficult to predict, the board is confident that the various aspects of the acquisition, combined with the trajectory of the existing businesses, will progress the group rapidly towards its next objective of £300 million sales revenue over the coming years.”